Canopy tent system

ABSTRACT

A canopy tent system that comprising a plurality of support legs, a frame, a tarp, and extension arms that may be used for displaying advertising surfaces above the frame and tarp, and connectors for coupling the extension arms to the support legs. Optionally, the canopy tent system may also have walls. The canopy tent system may comprise hinged extension arms that may also be used to display additional advertising at a level higher than the frame and tarp or that may be used to create an awning. The canopy tent system may also have grooves within the bases of the support legs or within the support legs themselves that may support a tabletop or shelves.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This disclosure claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/758,101 filed on Jan. 29, 2013 in the name of the Applicant.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to tents and, more particularly, to a canopy tent system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a canopy tent system is disclosed. The canopy tent system comprises a plurality of support legs; a frame coupled to a top portion of each of the support legs; a tarp coupled to the frame; at least two extension arms coupled to the top portions of at least two support legs and extending upwardly therefrom; a connector for coupling the extension arms to the support legs; and a printable material coupled to the extension arms, wherein at least a portion of the printable material is displayed at a level higher than the frame.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a canopy tent system is disclosed. The canopy tent system comprises a plurality of support legs, each support leg having a plurality of apertures along at least a portion of its length; a frame coupled to a top portion of each of the support legs; a tarp coupled to the frame; at least two extension arms coupled to the top portions of at least two support legs and extending upwardly therefrom, wherein each extension arm comprises: an L-shaped body having two sides; and a first plurality of apertures on each side of the body, wherein the first plurality of apertures are located between a top end of the extension arm and a middle portion of the body; at least one aperture on each side of the body located proximate a bottom end of the body; at least two L-shaped brackets for coupling the extension arms to the support legs wherein each bracket comprises: an L-shaped outer wall having two sides and an aperture on each side of the outer wall; an L-shaped inner wall having two corresponding sides and a corresponding aperture on each side of the inner wall, wherein the aperture on one side of the outer wall is directly in line with the corresponding aperture on the corresponding side of the inner wall; two side walls coupling the outer wall to the inner wall; and an L-shaped channel defined by the outer wall, inner wall, and side walls; wherein the L-shaped channel is adapted to receive the extension arm therethrough; and a printable material coupled to the extension arms, wherein at least a portion of the printable material is displayed at a level higher than the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a canopy tent system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an extension arm of the canopy tent system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of another extension arm of the canopy tent system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a connector that may be used to couple an extension arm to a support leg of the canopy tent system.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a connector that may be used to couple an extension arm to a support leg of the canopy tent system.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of FIG. 5 being used to couple an extension arm to a support leg of the canopy tent system.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector of FIG. 6, wherein a first screw may be used couple the connector to the support leg of the canopy tent system and a second larger screw which may be used to secure a portion of the extension arm within the connector.

FIG. 8 is a front view of printable material used to create an advertising surface of the canopy tent system. Two extension arms are coupled to two support legs of the canopy tent system by using two connectors and printable material is shown coupled to and extended between the two extension arms. The printable material is also shown being positioned above a flat-topped tarp of the canopy tent system.

FIG. 9 is a top view of one embodiment of a mount that may be coupled to an extension arm and used to display flags or other signage.

FIG. 10 is side view of the mount of FIG. 9 shown having a post extending perpendicularly from a top surface of the mount.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the mount of FIG. 9 coupled to the top of an extension arm shown with a flag coupled to the post of the mount.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the mount of FIG. 9 being coupled to an extension arm.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an extension arm engaged within the connector of FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a hinged arm of the canopy tent system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. A distal end of the hinged arm is shown angled downwardly.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the hinged arm of FIG. 14 wherein it is used to create an awning.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a side view of the hinged arm of FIG. 14 shown with the distal end of the extension arm angled upwardly.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the hinged arm of FIG. 16 wherein it is used to display signage above a portion of a pointed-top tarp of the canopy tent system.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the extension arm being coupled to an inner surface of the support leg. The support leg may have a locking mechanism to lock the extension arm in place.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the canopy tent system of the present invention, wherein the base of the support leg has at least one groove adapted to receive the edge of a tabletop.

FIG. 20 is a front view of an embodiment of the canopy tent system of the present invention. The printable material and advertising surfaces may extend across more than two support legs making the canopy tent buildable in size.

FIG. 21 is a front view of an embodiment of the canopy tent system of the present invention. The extension arms and hinged extensions may be used to create awnings and advertising surfaces. Different combinations of awnings and advertising surfaces may be used in order to create a variety of overall shapes for the canopy tent system.

FIG. 22 is a side view an embodiment of the hinged extension wherein the first portion of the hinged extension is coupled to the bracket.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the canopy tent system of the present invention wherein the tarp has a plurality of eyelets/grommets along its length, which are configured to align with apertures present in the frame, support legs, and/or extension arms.

FIG. 24 is side view of the canopy tent of the present invention wherein a screw may be used as a securing device to couple printable material to the frame, support legs, extension arms, and/or bases of the support legs.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the canopy tent of the present invention with a stretchable display coupled to the frame, support legs, extension arms, and/or bases of the support legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

A traditional canopy tent typically comprises a frame, a plurality of support legs, and a tarp. Canopy tents are often used at trade shows, outdoor events, and the like. Traditional canopy tents may have advertising printed directly upon the tarps, although the traditional canopy tents typically have a very limited amount of space for displaying advertising images. Due to the dimensions of a traditional canopy tent, the majority of the printable area on the tarp is on the angled top of the canopy tent, which is not very visible to passersby. Most advertisements are therefore printed on the much smaller vertical portions of the tarp, which are difficult to see from greater distances. Still further, if a user wanted to change the advertisement on the canopy tent, the old tarp would need to be completely removed and replaced by a new tarp with the new advertisement.

FIGS. 1-25 together show a canopy tent system 10 that would be ideal for use in trade shows and for other advertising and sales purposes. In its simplest form, the canopy tent system 10 may comprise a frame 12, support legs 14, a tarp 16, extension arms 18 that may be used for displaying advertising above the frame 12 and at least a portion of the tarp 16, and connectors for coupling the extension arms 18 to the support legs 14. Optionally, the canopy tent system 10 may have walls formed by material coupled to and extending between two support legs 14. The walls may also be used for advertising surfaces 22.

In FIG. 1, one embodiment of a canopy tent system 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the canopy tent system 10 is shown without a tarp 16. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may also be derived from the canopy tent system 10 having a tarp 16. The tarp 16 may be separate from the printable material 20, flat-topped, and positioned entirely below the printable material 20 (see FIGS. 8 and 18). Alternatively, the tarp 16 may have a pointed top that may be partially visible above the printable material 20 (see FIG. 17). The canopy tent system 10 may have a plurality of support legs 14. Each support leg 14 may have a plurality of apertures 84 (see FIG. 18) along either a portion of its length or along its entire length. The canopy tent system 10 may have telescoping support legs 14 so that the length of the support legs 14 may be extended, thereby increasing the overall height of the entire canopy tent system 10. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from a canopy tent system 10 that does not have telescoping support legs 14.

As shown, the canopy tent system 10 may have a plurality of extension arms 18. In this illustration, the canopy tent system 10 is shown as having four extension arms 18, one coupled to the top portion of each of the four support legs 14 and extending vertically above the top of the frame 12. But, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from any number of extension arms 18. It should also be clearly understood that the extension arm 18 may be coupled at any point along the length of the support leg 14, not just the top portion of the support leg 14. In one embodiment, a printable material 20, such as a banner, may be coupled between a pair of extension arms 18, thereby creating an advertising surface 22 that may be positioned above the top of the frame 12 and tarp 16. Substantial benefit may be derived from a portion of the tarp 16 being positioned above and therefore being visible from behind the printable material 20 (e.g. where a pointed-top tarp 16 may be used) or from the entire printable material 20 being positioned above the top of the frame 12 and tarp 16 (e.g. where a flat-topped tarp 16 may be used). In this illustration, a printable material 20 (e.g. banner) is coupled between each pair of extension arms 18, thereby creating four advertising surfaces 22, one advertising surface 22 on each of the four sides of the canopy tent system 10. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may be obtained from a printable material 20 that is not used as an advertising surface 22, but rather used for another purpose such as expressing support of a favorite athletic team when a team logo is printed thereupon. It should also be clearly understood that the printable material 20 may not have anything printed thereon at all.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an extension arm 18 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the extension arm 18 has a body 24 with a top end 28 and a bottom end 30. As shown in the illustration, the body 24 may be substantially L-shaped to engage the square shaped support legs 14 of the canopy tent system 10. Alternatively, the body 24 may be curved or C-shaped to engage the support legs 14 of a canopy tent system 10 when the support legs 14 are cylindrical in shape. The extension arm 18 may also have at least one aperture 32 on each side of the body 24. It should also be clearly understood that substantial benefit may still be derived from the extension arm 18 having apertures 32 on only one side of the body 24. Where the extension arm 18 has apertures 32 on both sides of the body 24, the apertures 32 on one side of the body may correspond to the apertures 32 on the other side of the body; e.g. the first aperture 32 on one side of the body 24 may be positioned at the same distance from the top end 28 of the extension arm 18 as the first aperture 32 on the other side of the body 24, the second aperture 32 on one side of the body 24 may be positioned at the same distance from the top end 28 of the extension arm 18 as the second aperture 32 on the other side of the body 24, and so on for the remaining apertures 32.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the extension arm 18 may have a plurality of apertures 32 on each side of the body 24 that are spaced apart along only a portion of the length of the extension arm 18. As shown, a first plurality of apertures 32 a (referred to generically as apertures 32) may be located between the top end 28 of the extension arm 18 and the middle portion 26 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18. And a second plurality of apertures 32 b (referred to generically as apertures 32) may be located between the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 and the middle portion 26 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18. It should be clearly understood that there may be only one aperture 32 b on each side of the body 24 located proximate the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 (as shown in the illustration) or there may be a plurality of apertures 32 b on each side of the body 24 located proximate the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18. In another embodiment, the extension arm 18 may have a plurality of apertures 32 on each side of the body 24 positioned along the full length of the body 24 of the extension arm 18.

The first plurality of apertures 32 a may be used to hold printable material 20 such as advertising signs, banners, awnings, or the like. The printable material 20 may be constructed of wood, fabric, plastic, nylon, or any other suitable material that may have printing thereon. The printable material 20 may also have holes or eyelets/grommets that may used to fasten the printable material 20 to the frame 12, extension arms 18, support legs 14, or bases 80 of the support legs 14. For example, if the printable material 20 is made of solid material like wood, metal, or plastic, then the banner may be coupled to the extension arm 18 by screws (or other suitable securing devices 100) drilled into the apertures 32 a; if the printable material 20 is made of cloth or nylon, then wire/string/bungee cords may be inserted into the apertures 32 a and coupled to any grommets that might be present in the cloth or nylon. Having multiple apertures 32 a located between the top end 28 of the extension arm 18 and the middle portion 26 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18 allows for signs, banners, awnings, and other printable materials 20 of different sizes to be coupled to the extension arms 18. The second plurality of apertures 32 b may be used to couple the extension arm 18 to the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10. For example the extension arm 18 may be coupled to the top portion of a support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10 by placing the extension arm 18 flush with the support leg 14, aligning at least one aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18 with a corresponding aperture 84 near the top portion of the support leg 14 and drilling a screw (or other suitable coupling device) through the aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18 and through the aperture 84 in the support leg 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apertures 32 may be evenly spaced apart, having about 1 ft. in between each aperture 32. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may still be derived from the spaces between the apertures 32 being less than or greater than 1 ft. And although the extension arm 18 is shown as having four apertures 32 a on each side of the body 24 located between the top end 28 of the extension arm 18 and the middle portion 26 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be obtained from the extension arm 18 having more than four apertures 32 a on each side of the body 24 or from the extension arm 18 having less than four apertures 32 a on each side of the body 24 located between the top end 28 of the extension arm 18 and the middle portion 26 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18. It should also be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from any number of apertures 32 b located on both sides of the body 24 and located between the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 and the middle portion 26 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18.

A connector 34 may be used to couple an extension arm 18 to a support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10. FIGS. 3-4 illustrate one embodiment of a connector 34 a (referred to generically as connector 34). The connector 34 a may comprise a plurality of rods 36 that are oriented parallel to each other and coupled perpendicularly to the perimeter of at least one circular band 38. The rods 36 may each be elongated and cylindrical in shape and constructed of metal, rubber, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material and the circular bands 38 may be constructed of rubber or any other suitable elastic material. Although the connector 34 a is shown in the illustrations as having a plurality of (three) circular bands 38 coupled to the rods 36, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the connector 34 a having less than three circular bands 38 or more than three circular bands 38. Substantial benefit may even be derived from the connector 34 a having only one circular band 38, wherein the one circular band 38 has a width similar to the length of the rods 36 or has an alternative width as long as its width is sufficient to securely couple the extension arm 18 to the support leg 14. In use, the extension arm 18 may be placed flush with a support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10 and the connector 34 a may be stretched and secured about both the extension arm 18 and the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10. The flexible nature of the connector 34 a shown in FIGS. 3-4 as well as the cylindrical shape of the rods 36 allow for the extension arm 18 to be securely coupled to a support leg 14 of a canopy tent system 10 regardless of the support leg's 14 shape or width.

FIGS. 5-8 show another embodiment of a connector 34 b (referred to generically as connector 34) that may be used to couple an extension arm 18 to a support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10. The connector 34 b may comprise an L-shaped bracket 40. The L-shaped bracket 40 may have an outer L-shaped wall 42 with two sides, an inner L-shaped wall 44 with two corresponding sides, two side walls connecting the outer wall 42 to the inner wall 44, and an L-shaped channel 46, which is defined by the outer wall 42, the inner wall 44, and the two side walls 43. The L-shaped channel 46 is configured to receive the bottom end 30 of the L-shaped extension arm 18. Each side of the bracket 40 may have an aperture 48 through its outer wall 42 and another corresponding aperture 50 through its inner wall 44 and the two apertures 48, 50 may be in direct alignment with each other. However, substantial benefit may still be derived if only one side of the bracket 40 had an aperture 48 through its outer wall 42 and another aperture 50 through its inner wall 44. It should also be understood that there may be a plurality of apertures 48 through the bracket's 40 outer wall 42 and a plurality of corresponding apertures 50 through its inner wall 44 (see FIG. 22).

In one embodiment, the aperture 50 of the inner wall 44 of the bracket 40 may have the same circumference of the apertures 84 of the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10; the aperture 48 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 may then have a larger circumference than that of both the aperture 50 through the inner wall 44 as well as the apertures 84 of the support leg 14. Furthermore the apertures 32 b located between the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 and the middle portion 26 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18 may have the same circumference as the aperture 48 in the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40. In this configuration, the inner wall 44 of the bracket 40 will be placed flush against the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10 and the aperture 50 through the inner wall 44 of the bracket 40 would be aligned with a desired aperture 84 in the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10. Then, a small screw (having a head circumference less than the circumference of the aperture 48 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 and less than the circumference of the apertures 32 b in the extension arm 18) may be used to couple the bracket 40 to the support leg 14. The small screw would pass completely through the aperture 48 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 and be screwed through the aperture 50 of the inner wall 44 of the bracket 40 and the aperture 84 of the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10. The bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 would then be passed through the channel 46 of the bracket 40 and the aperture 48 in the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 would be aligned with an aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18, and a large screw (having a head circumference greater than the circumference of the aperture 48 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 and greater than the circumference of the apertures 32 b in the extension arm 18) may be used to couple the extension arm 18 to the bracket 40 by screwing the larger screw through the aperture 48 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 and through the aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18.

The bracket 40 may have an L-shaped inner lining 52 within the L-shaped channel 46. Similar to the L-shaped bracket 40, the lining 52 may have an outer wall having two sides, a corresponding inner wall having two sides, and two side walls. The lining 52 may also have an L-shaped channel defined by the outer wall, inner wall, and two side walls. The lining 52 may also have an aperture on both sides of the outer wall as well as an aperture on both sides of the inner wall of the lining 52. The apertures of the outer wall of the lining 52 may correspond and align with the apertures 48 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 and the apertures of the inner wall of the lining 52 may correspond and align with the apertures 50 of the inner wall 44 of the bracket 40. The apertures of the outer wall of the lining 52 may also have the same circumference as the apertures 48 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 and the apertures of the inner wall of the lining 52 may have the same circumference as the apertures 50 of the inner wall 44 of the bracket 40. The lining 52 may be constructed or rubber or some other soft pliable material that will snugly engage the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 when it is inserted into the channel 46 of the bracket 40. This snug fit will help prevent the extension arm 18 from moving or wiggling within the bracket 40. The lining 52 may also help prevent any metal-on-metal friction that would otherwise occur between the bracket 40 and the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 if the lining 52 was not present within the channel 46. For additional support, the bracket 40 may have a loop 54 or knob coupled to the outer wall 42. In order to help prevent the bracket 40 from sliding down the support leg 14, one end of a bungee cord may be coupled to the loop/knob 54 of the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 and the other end of the bungee cord may be coupled to the frame 12 of the canopy tent system 10. Optionally, a rubber band 82 may also be wrapped about the support leg 14 beneath the bracket 40 to help prevent it from sliding down the support leg 14.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, the extension arm may also have a mount 56 that is coupled to the top end 28 of the extension arm 18. In one embodiment, the mount 56 may have a triangular top surface 58 and three vertical walls 60 extending downwardly and perpendicularly from the three edges of the triangular top surface 58. The mount 56 may be placed on the inside surface of the L-shaped body 24 of the extension arm 18. Two of the vertical walls 60 of the mount 56 will therefore be flush with the inside surface of the two sides of the extension arm 18. As shown in the illustrations, the two vertical walls 60 may have apertures 62 that will align and correspond with any of the apertures 32 a of the body 24 of the extension arm 18. Screws may then be drilled through the apertures 62 of the two vertical walls 60 of the mount 56 and through the corresponding apertures 32 a of the extension arm 18, thereby securing the mount 56 to the extension arm 18. The mount 56 may also have a post 64 coupled to and extending upwardly and perpendicularly from the top surface 58 of the mount 56. As shown in the illustrations, the bottom end of a flag post 66 may then be affixed to the post 64 of the mount 56. It should also be clearly understood that any suitable object may be coupled to the post 56. And although he mount 56 is shown to be coupled to the apertures 32 a closest to the top end 28 of the extension arm 18, it should be clearly understood that the mount 56 may be coupled to any of the apertures 32 a of the body 24 the extension arm 18.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, the extension arm 18 does not need to be coupled to the bracket 40 only via the aperture 32 b closest to the bottom end 30 of the body 24 of the extension arm 18. As illustrated, the bottom end 30 of the extension arm 18 may pass completely through the channel 46 of the bracket 40 so that the extension arm 18 may be coupled to the bracket 40 via any one of its apertures 32 b.

The canopy tent system 10 may also comprise a hinged extension 68. FIGS. 14-17 show a hinged extension 68 that has a first portion 70 and a second portion 72 that are coupled together by a hinge 74. A proximal end of the first portion 70 may have a base 96 that may be coupled to the extension arm 18 or alternatively to the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10 via the apertures 32 a on the body 24 of the extension arm 18 or the apertures 84 on the support legs 14. The base 96 may be a solid base or may be hinged. In one embodiment, the hinge 74 that connects the first portion 70 of the hinged extension 68 to the second portion 72 of hinged extension 68 may be a ratchet hinge so that the second portion 72 of the hinged extension 68 may then be positioned at various angles respective to the first portion 70 of the hinged extension 68.

A board, fabric, banner, or other suitable printable material 20 may be coupled to and positioned between the second portions 72 of two hinged extension 68. As shown in FIGS. 14-15, the second portions 72 of the two extension 68 as well as the printable material 20 (e.g. board/fabric etc.) that is coupled thereto may be angled downwardly at a level lower than the frame 12 so as to provide an awning. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 16-17, the second portions 72 of the two hinged extension 68 as well as the board/fabric that is coupled thereto may be angled upwardly so as to provide an additional advertising surface 22 that is positioned above the frame 12 and tarp 16 of the canopy tent system 10.

Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, the support legs 14 may each have an open top end. The extension arm 18 may be coupled to the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10 by placing the extension arm 18 flush with an inside surface of the support leg 14, aligning at least one aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18 with a corresponding aperture 84 in the support leg 14 and drilling a screw (or other suitable securing device 100) through the aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18 and through the aperture 84 in the support leg 14. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism may be coupled to the top portion of the support leg 14 wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to engage the apertures 32 b on the body 24 of the extension arm 18 located proximate the bottom end 30 of the body 24 in order to lock the extension arm 18 at various heights within the support leg 14. In this embodiment, the extension arm 18 may be stored and concealed from view within the support leg 14 until a user is ready to deploy the extension arm 18. As shown, a corner portion of the top of the tarp 16 may be cut out in order to expose the top of the support leg 14 so that the extension arm 18 may be deployed therefrom and attached to the support leg 14 via the apertures 32 b of the extension arm 18 and the apertures 84 of the support leg 14. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may also be derived from an embodiment wherein the extension arm 18 may be coupled to the support leg 14 of the canopy tent system 10 by placing the extension arm 18 flush with an outside surface of the support leg 14, aligning at least one aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18 with a corresponding aperture 84 in the support leg 14 and drilling a screw (or other suitable coupling device) through the aperture 32 b of the extension arm 18 and through the aperture 84 in the support leg 14.

In one embodiment, the canopy tent system 10 may have support legs 14 that are housed within a base 80. Each base 80 may have spikes at the foot of the base 80 to help prevent the base 80 from slipping on grassy or dirt surfaces. The foot may be foldable so that the base 80 may also be placed on flat surfaces. The support legs 14 may telescope out from the bases 80 and be secured at varying lengths by aligning certain apertures 84 in the support legs 14 with a locking mechanism in the base 80. Each base 80 may also have one or a plurality of grooves 76 on its outer surface. The grooves 76 may be square, rectangular, or curved, as long as it is configured to engage the edge of another item such as a tabletop 19. As shown in FIG. 19, a tabletop 19 has substantially squared edges is shown inserted into the corresponding squared grooves 76 within two of the bases 80 of the support legs 14. Here, two adjacent bases 80 are shown as having a groove 76 to receive the two edges of the tabletop 19. The tabletop 19 may then have at least one or a plurality of legs extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the tabletop 19 in order to form a functional table area. The table area may be used to display items for sale or for any other suitable purpose. The bases 80 may have several grooves 80 along their length so as to allow for adjustment of the height of the tabletop 19. The support legs 14 themselves may also have similar grooves 76 on their outer surfaces. The grooves 76 in the support legs 14 may be used to support other items such as shelves.

As shown in FIGS. 20-21, the extension arms 18 and hinged extensions 68 may be used in various combinations and configurations to achieve a variety of displays with the canopy tent system 10. In some instances, where the tarp 16 is flat-topped (e.g. FIG. 8), the printable material 20 may be positioned above both the frame 12 and the tarp 16. However in instances wherein the tarp 16 may be a pointed-top tarp 16, as shown in these illustrations, the printable material 20 may be positioned only above the frame 12 while the peak of the tarp 16 is still visible behind the printable material 20.

As shown in FIG. 22, the first portion 70 of the hinged extension 68, may be coupled to the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40. A securing device 88 such as hoops or locks may be coupled to the outer wall 42 of the bracket 40 in order to secure the first portion 70 of the hinged extension 68 thereto. The second portion 72 may then be extended upwardly to be used for advertising or downwardly to be used as an awning. As shown in the illustration, the canopy tent system 10 may have an additional bracket 40 below the other bracket 40 that holds the extension arm 18. This additional bracket 40 may provide additional support to the hinged extension 68.

As shown in FIG. 23, there may be a plurality of eyelets 102 present along the length of the tarp 16. A plurality of grommets 104 made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material may be coupled within the eyelets 102. The eyelets 102/grommets 104 of the tarp 16 may align with apertures that may be present in the frame 12, apertures 32 a in the extension arms 18, and/or apertures 84 in the support legs 14. Any apertures or eyelets/grommets within the printable material 20 may then be lined up with the eyelets 102/grommets 104 of the tarp 16 and a securing device 100 such as a screw may be drilled through the aperture of the printable material 20, the eyelets 102/grommets 104 of tarp 16, and finally through apertures in the frame 12 (or the apertures 32 a in the extension arms 18, or the apertures 84 in the support legs 14). Instead of a screw, bungee cords, string or other suitable securing devices 100 may be used.

The canopy tent system 10 of the present invention may have apertures throughout. For example, the canopy tent system 10 may have apertures present in the frame 12, apertures 32 a in the extension arms 18, apertures 84 in the support legs 14, and apertures in the bases 80 of the support legs 14. As shown in FIGS. 24-25, canopy tent system 10 may also have a stretchable display 106 that may be coupled via screws, bungee cords, string, or other suitable securing devices 100 to apertures present in the frame 12, apertures 32 a in the extension arms 18, apertures 84 in the support legs 14, and/or apertures in the bases 80 of the support legs 14 so that the stretchable display 106 may be stretched in multiple directions and remain visible.

The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those or ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public. 

I claim:
 1. A canopy tent system comprising: a plurality of support legs; a frame coupled to a top portion of each of the support legs; a tarp coupled to the frame; at least two extension arms coupled to the top portions of at least two support legs and extending upwardly therefrom; a connector for coupling the extension arms to the support legs; and a printable material coupled to the extension arms, wherein at least a portion of the printable material is displayed at a level higher than the frame.
 2. The canopy tent of claim 1 wherein each extension arm comprises: an L-shaped body having two sides; and a plurality of apertures on each side of the body wherein the apertures are positioned along at least a portion of a length of the body.
 3. The canopy tent of claim 2 wherein the plurality of apertures on each side of the body comprises: a first plurality of apertures located between a top end of the extension arm and a middle portion of the body; and at least one other aperture on each side of the body located proximate a bottom end of the body.
 4. The canopy tent of claim 1 wherein each connector comprises: a plurality of elongated cylindrical rods positioned parallel to each other; and at least one elastic circular band coupled perpendicularly to the plurality of rods; wherein the connector is secured about both the extension arm and the support leg so that the rods are oriented parallel with the extension arm and the support leg.
 5. The canopy tent of claim 2 wherein each connector comprises: an L-shaped bracket having: an L-shaped outer wall having two sides and an aperture on each side of the outer wall; an L-shaped inner wall having two corresponding sides and a corresponding aperture on each side of the inner wall, wherein the aperture on one side of the outer wall is directly in line with the corresponding aperture on the corresponding side of the inner wall; two side walls coupling the outer wall to the inner wall; and an L-shaped channel defined by the outer wall, inner wall, and side walls; wherein the L-shaped channel is adapted to receive the extension arm therethrough.
 6. The canopy tent of claim 5 wherein the apertures on each side of the outer wall have a circumference greater than a circumference of the corresponding apertures on each corresponding side of the inner wall.
 7. The canopy tent of claim 5 further comprising an L-shaped inner lining coupled within the L-shaped channel of the bracket, wherein the inner lining comprises: an L-shaped outer wall having two sides and an aperture on each side of the outer wall; an L-shaped inner wall having two corresponding sides and a corresponding aperture on each side of the inner wall, wherein the aperture on one side of the outer wall is directly in line with the corresponding aperture on the corresponding side of the inner wall; two side walls; and an L-shaped channel defined by the outer wall, inner wall, and side walls; wherein the L-shaped channel of the inner lining is adapted to receive the extension arm therethrough.
 8. The canopy tent of claim 2 further comprising a mount coupled to an inside surface of the extension arm and coupled proximate a top end of the extension arm, wherein the mount comprises: a triangular top surface; a post extending upwardly from the top surface; three vertical walls extending downwardly from three edges of the top surface; and an aperture in at least two vertical walls, wherein the apertures in the vertical walls are adapted to align with two corresponding apertures on the body of the extension arm in order to receive a securing device 100 therethrough.
 9. The canopy tent of claim 1 further comprising at least two hinged extensions, each hinged extension coupled to an extension arm and comprising: a first portion; a second portion; a ratchet hinge coupling the first portion to the second portion; and a base for coupling the first portion to one of the extension arm and the support leg; and a printable material coupled to the second portions of the hinged extensions, wherein the second portions are adapted to be angled upwardly so that at least a portion of the printable material is displayed at a level higher than the frame, and wherein the second portions are also adapted to be angled downwardly so that the printable material may be displayed at a level lower than the frame.
 10. The canopy tent of claim 1 further comprising: a tabletop having at least one leg coupled to and extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the tabletop; a base to house each support leg; a locking mechanism coupled to each base wherein each locking mechanism is adapted to engage apertures within the support leg in order to lock the support leg at various heights within the base; and a plurality of grooves formed within each base, wherein the grooves are positioned along at least a portion of a length of the base and are adapted to receive an edge of the tabletop.
 11. The canopy tent of claim 1 further comprising: at least one shelf; a plurality of grooves formed within the support legs, wherein the grooves are positioned along at least a portion of a length of the support legs and are adapted to receive an edge of the shelf.
 12. A canopy tent system comprising: a plurality of support legs, each support leg having a plurality of apertures along at least a portion of its length; a frame coupled to a top portion of each of the support legs; a tarp coupled to the frame; at least two extension arms coupled to the top portions of at least two support legs and extending upwardly therefrom, wherein each extension arm comprises: an L-shaped body having two sides; and a first plurality of apertures on each side of the body, wherein the first plurality of apertures are located between a top end of the extension arm and a middle portion of the body; at least one aperture on each side of the body located proximate a bottom end of the body; at least two L-shaped brackets for coupling the extension arms to the support legs wherein each bracket comprises: an L-shaped outer wall having two sides and an aperture on each side of the outer wall; an L-shaped inner wall having two corresponding sides and a corresponding aperture on each side of the inner wall, wherein the aperture on one side of the outer wall is directly in line with the corresponding aperture on the corresponding side of the inner wall; two side walls coupling the outer wall to the inner wall; and an L-shaped channel defined by the outer wall, inner wall, and side walls; wherein the L-shaped channel is adapted to receive the extension arm therethrough; and a printable material coupled to the extension arms, wherein at least a portion of the printable material is displayed at a level higher than the frame.
 13. The canopy tent of claim 12 wherein the apertures on the outer walls of the bracket have the same circumference as the at least one aperture on the body of the extension arm located proximate the bottom end of the body and wherein the apertures on the inner walls of the bracket have the same circumference as the apertures on the support legs.
 14. The canopy tent of claim 12 further comprising an L-shaped inner lining coupled within the L-shaped channel of the bracket, wherein the inner lining comprises: an L-shaped outer wall having two sides and an aperture on each side of the outer wall; an L-shaped inner wall having two corresponding sides and a corresponding aperture on each side of the inner wall, wherein the aperture on one side of the outer wall is directly in line with the corresponding aperture on the corresponding side of the inner wall; two side walls; and an L-shaped channel defined by the outer wall, inner wall, and side walls; wherein the L-shaped channel of the inner lining is adapted to receive the extension arm therethrough.
 15. The canopy tent of claim 12 wherein each extension arm is housed within a top portion of a support leg and adapted to be coupled to an inner surface of the support leg by aligning the apertures on the body of the extension arm located proximate the bottom end of the body with corresponding apertures of the support legs and inserting a securing device therein.
 16. The canopy tent of claim 15 further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the top portion of the support leg wherein each locking mechanism is adapted to engage the apertures on the body of the extension arm located proximate the bottom end of the body in order to lock the extension arm at various heights within the support leg.
 17. The canopy tent of claim 12 further comprising a mount coupled to an inside surface of the extension arm and coupled proximate a top end of the extension arm, wherein the mount comprises: a triangular top surface; a post extending upwardly from the top surface; three vertical walls extending downwardly from three edges of the top surface; and an aperture in at least two vertical walls, wherein the apertures in the vertical walls are adapted to align with two corresponding apertures on the body of the extension arm proximate a top end of the extension arm in order to receive a securing device therethrough.
 18. The canopy tent of claim 12 further comprising at least two hinged extensions, each hinged extension coupled to an extension arm and comprising: a first portion; a second portion; a ratchet hinge coupling the first portion to the second portion; and a base for coupling the first portion to one of the extension arm and the support leg; and a printable material coupled to the second portions of the hinged extensions, wherein the second portions are adapted to be angled upwardly so that at least a portion of the printable material is displayed at a level higher than the frame, and wherein the second portions are adapted to be angled downwardly so that the printable material may be displayed at a level lower than the frame.
 19. The canopy tent of claim 12 further comprising: a tabletop having at least one leg coupled to and extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the tabletop; a base to house each support leg; a locking mechanism coupled to each base wherein each locking mechanism is adapted to engage apertures within the support leg in order to lock the support leg at various heights within the base; and a plurality of grooves formed within each base, wherein the grooves are positioned along at least a portion of a length of the base and are adapted to receive an edge of the tabletop.
 20. The canopy tent of claim 12 further comprising: at least one shelf; a plurality of grooves formed within the support legs, wherein the grooves are positioned along at least a portion of a length of the support legs and are adapted to receive an edge of the shelf. 